Former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri is keen on reuniting with his ex-colleagues from his time in London. As per reports, the Lazio boss is eyeing moves for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Emerson Palmieri.
Maurizio Sarri’s year in Chelsea might have dragged over the finish line, but it ended with a flourish. The Italian led the Blues to triumph over rivals Arsenal in the UEFA Europa League – winning his first professional silverware in the process. Two of those who started the final – along with one who didn’t, albeit due to a long-term injury – are now on his shortlist of transfer targets for his current club Lazio.
As per Corierre dello Sport, Lazio are interested in signing Chelsea custodian Kepa Arrizabalaga, although only temporarily. The Blues made the Spaniard the world’s most expensive goalkeeper – a record he still holds – when they bought him for Sarri on the eve of the 2018/19 Premier League season. However, a sharp decline in his form during the following year led the club to splurge cash on a replacement, and Kepa has played second-fiddle to Edouard Mendy since.
A transfer elsewhere could reignite the 27-year-old’s career as a ‘Number 1’, and Lazio are keen to offer him that opportunity – although, the Biancocelesti are also keeping tabs on Sergio Rico, Marco Carnesecchi, and Pierluigi Gollini.
As per reports, Lazio are also interested in doing a deal with Chelsea for left-back Emerson Palmieri. The Italian international is currently spending the season on loan at Olympique Lyonnais, who have the option to make his move permanent at the end of the season. Chelsea, too, were keen to recall Emerson in January following a long-term injury to incumbent Ben Chilwell but were denied the same by Lyon.
Finally, the Biancocelesti also have Chelsea youngster Callum Hudson-Odoi in their sights. The winger has been in and out of the first team under Thomas Tuchel, while he has also split his time between playing as an attacker and, at times, a wingback. However, Hudson-Odoi signed a new, long-term contract at the start of the 2019/20 season, and it remains to be seen whether the club is open to parting ways with the promising youngster just yet.
